Filters

Skill Level

Duration

Age

Common Time & Date Filters

Days of the Week

Class Start Time

Class Start Date

Price

Neighborhoods

Private Group Events

Discover Classes. Earn 10% Rewards.

Painting Classes San Francisco

Upcoming schedule view

Discover your inner artist and explore the vibrant world of painting with a variety of classes in San Francisco. From watercolor techniques to oil painting masterpieces, unlock your creativity and gain valuable skills to create beautiful artwork.

Shop
Gift Cards

20 results

Key Elements of Fine Arts

Art School of SF Bay See all classes by this school @ 1601 Irving St, San Francisco, CA

Discover the secrets to drawing and painting like a pro. This course at the Art School of SF Bay will teach you the fundamentals of art, from color mixing to composition. By the end, you'll be able to create stunning portraits and captivating compositions.

(5) Beginner 18 and older
$525

14 sessions

Attend
+5250 pts
Gift it!

Oil and Acrylic Painting

Art School of SF Bay See all classes by this school @ 1601 Irving St, San Francisco, CA

Unlock your artistic potential and master the techniques of oil and acrylic painting at the renowned Art School of SF Bay. Explore the beauty of nature through landscapes, learn to capture emotions in portraits, and develop your unique style. With high-quality art materials provided, embark on a transformative artistic journey.

(5) Advanced 18 and older
$675

15 sessions

Attend
+6750 pts
Gift it!

Impressionist Painting

Art School of SF Bay See all classes by this school @ 1601 Irving St, San Francisco, CA

Discover the essence of impressionism in our immersive painting course at Art School of SF Bay. Delve into the vibrant world of expressive brushwork, captivating colors, and dynamic composition inspired by the masters. Unleash your creativity and learn to evoke the spirit of impressionism in your own unique style.

(5) All levels 18 and older
$385

6 sessions

Attend
+3850 pts
Gift it!
Give Experiences. One Gift Card. Thousands of Classes.

Painting Classes Gift Card

  • Thousands of classes & experiences.
  • No expiration.
  • Get 15% points back.
  • Instant delivery (or printable card).
  • Rated a top experience gift by Time Out.
  • Gift an experience this holiday season and make it a memorable one.

Buy a Gift Card

Abstract Art

Art School of SF Bay See all classes by this school @ 1601 Irving St, San Francisco, CA

Explore the vibrant world of abstract art by mastering color, shape, and emotion. Dive into intuitive painting techniques and learn to mix a limitless array of hues. Create dynamic compositions and express your inner vision through spontaneous and structured artistic processes.

(5) All levels 18 and older
$360

6 sessions

Attend
+3600 pts
Gift it!

Paint and Sip Painting Event Whale Tail

Painting & Vino See all classes by this school @ 6241 Fair Oaks Blvd, Carmichael, CA

Unleash your creativity in a fun and social sip-and-paint experience guided by a skilled instructor. Enjoy great drinks, delicious food, and lively conversation as you create a stunning masterpiece—no experience necessary. Whether you're with friends, family, or flying solo, this event promises a relaxing and memorable evening filled with art, laughter, and inspiration.

(12) All levels 13 and older
$45
Attend
+450 pts
Gift it!

Live Model Portrait & Figure Camp (Ages 14-18)

Art School of SF Bay See all classes by this school @ 1601 Irving St, San Francisco, CA

Unleash your artistic potential this summer with an intensive workshop focused on capturing the human form through live model sketches and detailed drawings. Delve into figure anatomy, master charcoal techniques, and bring your vision to life with a final project under expert guidance.

(5) All levels 14 - 18 years old
$680

5 sessions

Attend
+6800 pts
Gift it!

Portrait Workshop

Art School of SF Bay See all classes by this school @ 1601 Irving St, San Francisco, CA

Develop your portrait painting skills under the guidance of experienced instructors and immerse yourself in a hands-on workshop that will explore the challenge of bringing faces to life on canvas.

(5) All levels 18 and older
$400

5 sessions

Attend
+4000 pts
Gift it!

Online Watercolor 201 - Beginner

Pastimes for a Lifetime See all classes by this school @ Live Online via Zoom

Discover the beauty of watercolor painting with Online Watercolor 201. Learn essential techniques, color mixing, and brushstrokes to create stunning works of art. Perfect for aspiring fine artists, illustrators, and designers.

(23) Beginner 7 and older
$180

4 sessions

Attend
+1800 pts
Gift it!

Online Painting with Acrylics 301

Pastimes for a Lifetime See all classes by this school @ Live Online via Zoom

Unleash your creativity and learn the techniques of 20th-century masters with the Online Painting with Acrylics 301 course. Discover how to mix colors, prepare the canvas, and execute styles such as impressionism, contemporary realism, color block, and abstract. Take your painting skills to the next level with this flexible and vibrant medium.

(23) All levels 7 and older
$180

4 sessions

Attend
+1800 pts
Gift it!

Online Oil Pastel 101

Pastimes for a Lifetime See all classes by this school @ Live Online via Zoom

Discover the world of oil pastels with this online art course. Unleash your creativity as you learn color theory, blending techniques, and how to create stunning works of art that resemble oil paintings. Perfect for beginners looking for a mess-free and vibrant medium.

(23) Beginner 7 and older
$180

4 sessions

Attend
+1800 pts
Gift it!

Online Watercolor 202 - Intermediate

Pastimes for a Lifetime See all classes by this school @ Live Online via Zoom

Take your watercolor skills to the next level with this intermediate class at Pastimes for a Lifetime. Learn advanced techniques for texture, tone, and color layering, and discover how to create deeper, richer colors in your paintings. Perfect for artists interested in fine art or illustration.

(23) Intermediate 7 and older
$160

4 sessions

Attend
+1600 pts
Gift it!

Online Water - Soluble Oils 401

Pastimes for a Lifetime See all classes by this school @ Live Online via Zoom

Discover the eco-friendly joy of oil painting with water-soluble oils. Learn the techniques of mixing colors and brushwork while creating stunning traditional and contemporary pieces. Say yes to this delicious and non-toxic medium at Pastimes for a Lifetime.

(23) All levels 7 and older
$180

4 sessions

Attend
+1800 pts
Gift it!

Beginners Watercolor Painting

The Art Studio NY See all classes by this school @ Online Classroom

Ignite your inner artist with inspiring watercolor painting classes at NYC's #1-rated art studio. Learn a wide variety of techniques and explore landscape, still life, and abstraction. No experience necessary - this course is perfect for beginners!

(651) Beginner 18 and older
$99

5 sessions

Attend
+990 pts
Gift it!

Intermediate Watercolor Painting

The Art Studio NY See all classes by this school @ Online Classroom

Deepen your practice of watercolor painting and express your creativity in this inspiring online class. Learn from top-notch professionals and connect with a supportive community of artists worldwide. Discover a wide variety of techniques and styles to enhance your skills and increase your artistic confidence.

(651) Intermediate 18 and older
$299

8 sessions

Attend
+2990 pts
Gift it!

Watercolor

BrushCapades See all classes by this school @ Online Classroom

Unleash your creativity with a hands-on tutorial that provides all the necessary materials for a 90-minute watercolor experience. Discover the joy of painting with a watercolor fan set, brushes, and high-quality paper, all included in this immersive workshop. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the beautiful world of watercolors!

(14) All levels 8 and older
$65
Attend
+650 pts
Gift it!

Dare to Paint: Advanced Oil & Acrylic Painting

The Art Studio NY See all classes by this school @ Online Classroom

Discover your authentic artistic voice and explore advanced oil and acrylic painting techniques in this inspiring online class. Express yourself through painting and deepen your artistic journey with expert instruction and personalized feedback. Join a community of fellow artists and unleash your creativity in this popular fear-free NYC painting class.

(651) Advanced 18 and older
$399

8 sessions

Attend
+3990 pts
Gift it!

Beginners Watercolor Painting Class Online: All Levels

The Art Studio NY See all classes by this school @ Online Classroom

Ignite your creativity with online watercolor painting classes! Perfect for all levels, learn a variety of techniques from gradated washes to color mixing. Join a supportive community of artists and express your authentic self through vibrant watercolor creations.

(651) Beginner 18 and older
$299

8 sessions

Attend
+2990 pts
Gift it!

Virtual Artist Studio

Evanston Art Center See all classes by this school

Receive personalized guidance as you develop your own artwork in a supportive and collaborative setting. Work closely with the instructor to refine your techniques, explore new ideas, and bring your creative vision to life. This class offers a unique opportunity to grow as an artist with expert feedback tailored to your individual style.

(86) All levels 18 and older
$515

10 sessions

Attend
+5150 pts
Gift it!

Digital Academy

Valley Art Workshop See all classes by this school @ Live Online

Develop your artistic skills from home with expert guidance in a supportive online community. Work with any physical or digital medium while receiving personalized feedback tailored to your creative goals. With an instructor experienced in illustration, portraiture, fine art, and more, each session offers valuable insights and constructive critiques. Expand your artistic abilities in a dynamic and interactive setting.

(8) All levels 12 - 21 years old
$100

4 sessions

Attend
+1000 pts
Gift it!

Acrylics Painting

BrushCapades See all classes by this school @ Online Classroom

Unleash your inner artist and discover the joy of acrylic painting in this captivating class. Immerse yourself in the world of colors and brushstrokes as you create your very own masterpiece under the guidance of a skilled and lively instructor. Unleash your creativity and unlock the secrets of professional painting techniques every week!

(14) All levels 21 and older
$65
Attend
+650 pts
Gift it!

No results found

Try removing some filters.

Reviews for Painting Classes in San Francisco

Painting Classes in San Francisco are rated 4.4 stars based on 799 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.

  • Acrylics Painting

    Reviewed by Nancy P. on 12/9/2024
    Anjl was a wonderful teacher! Her instructions were given in way that was easy to understand and remember. She also gave the kindest feedback/suggestions I've ever received. I definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a painting instructor.
  • Beginners Watercolor Painting

    Reviewed by Trina W M. on 8/11/2024
    I took the class along with my son. We really enjoyed it and learned a lot. We learned about technique and also to enjoy the process. Great class and instructor!
  • Beginners Watercolor Painting

    Reviewed by Rick B. on 3/17/2024
    Thought teacher covered the basics of painting in watercolors extremely well. She always touched base with the class on their progress and very open to our questions
  • Beginners Watercolor Painting

    Reviewed by Judy B. on 3/17/2024
    Loved the class and Anna the instructor. Well worth the money. My husband and I enjoyed the time together and learning the basic techniques.
  • Online Painting with Acrylics 301

    Reviewed by Claudia G. on 3/9/2024
    Linda is a joy to have as an instructor! Learning many basics missed in other classes I’ve taken and finding it very valuable.
  • Watercolor

    Reviewed by Barbara M. on 2/28/2024
    Anji led a delightful watercolor project that left me happy with my end product painting and the class.
  • Intermediate Watercolor Painting

    Reviewed by Helene H. on 1/9/2024
    The instructor was a delight and the class was great!
  • Beginners Watercolor Painting

    Reviewed by Ronnie L. on 11/1/2023
    I learned more from Elizabeth in this class than in three years of other classes. I’m also enjoying my own work so much more.
  • Beginners Watercolor Painting

    Anonymous review on 6/18/2023
    Class was great....I learned exactly what I needed to know to move forward. Helpful evaluations and wonderful demonstrations.
  • Beginners Watercolor Painting Class Online: All Levels

    Reviewed by Pamela M. on 12/17/2022
    Great class and Claire was a great instructor.
  • Beginners Watercolor Painting

    Reviewed by Karen F. on 11/9/2022
    Really enjoyed this class and learned a great deal. Laura Habian was wonderful and explained things so well and was very encouraging. Definitely recommend this class and will look for others that are similar. Watercolor isn't something you can master in a few classes and I want to learn more. Thank you, Laura! Karen
  • Beginners Watercolor Painting Class Online: All Levels

    Reviewed by Leslie H. on 12/23/2021
    I had never used watercolors before and had never taken a painting class. By the end of it, I had discovered a new activity that I could play with, and on a personal level I recognized my old perfectionism trying to reassert itself. By allowing myself to paint and not be concerned with doing it “right” or “perfectly,” I gained not only the enjoyment of experimenting with paints, but also a feeling of satisfaction knowing I hadn’t cheated myself out of a lovely experience. Claire was a wonderfully encouraging teacher!
  • Beginners Watercolor Painting Class Online: All Levels

    Reviewed by Karen F. on 1/3/2021
    Great class and learned a lot. Hope there will be a follow up class. Lindsay was wonderful!
  • Beginners Watercolor Painting

    Reviewed by Kathleen R. on 8/13/2019
    James is an awesome instructor. Super enthusiastic!!!!!
  • Beginners Watercolor Painting

    Reviewed by meri t. on 1/19/2019
    Really enjoyed it! The instructor was great and very helpful!!

Discover the Best Painting Classes in San Francisco

If you live in San Francisco and you are looking for a new hobby, painting could be just what you have been looking for. Painting happens when paint, pigment, color, or another medium is applied to a solid surface, and the most commonly used tool to apply paint is a brush, but other tools, such as knives, spatulas, sponges, and airbrushes can be used alone or in combination with brushes. The concept of painting dates back to prehistory, and it is thought that people have been painting for over 30,000 years. No matter your age or life experience, you can learn to paint with a little time and dedication.

Why You Should Learn Painting in San Francisco

Do you need a fun way to relieve the stress that comes with work or school? Painting is an accessible hobby that can not only help improve your mental health, but gives you something to do with your hands during your free time. You may also like the aspect of painting that can be related to doing things for other people. This can come in many forms, such as creating a special gift in the form of a painting that they can hang in their home. This could be a painting of them, their pet, a landscape, or a special memory that is meaningful to them.

All around the world, there are people who enjoy painting as a hobby and as a profession. Once you understand the basics of painting, you might want to research local clubs, groups, events, or organizations where you can meet other people who like painting. These groups could be in-person, but they could also be online, and pretty soon you may find yourself with some new friends who also enjoy painting.

Learning painting is a marketable skill that you may be able to turn into a side hustle or even a new job altogether. You could easily begin selling your paintings through an online marketplace, or in person at a craft fair close to where you live. You may even be able to start taking commissions, where you create custom paintings based on the requests of your customers.

In-Person Painting Classes in San Francisco

If you want to learn painting in-person in San Francisco, CourseHorse can connect you with classes in your area. For example, Portrait Workshop is a six-session class offered at the Art School of San Francisco Bay. In this class, students complete numerous head studies and improve their knowledge of proper head construction. You will select and complete a project of your choice in whatever medium you like during the second half of the class. Abstract Art: Dialogues with Nature is a two-day class offered at Living Your Wild Creativity in Santa Rosa. This course explores your connection with the land while you make sketches and color studies, culminating in an abstract painting. 

Another Art School of San Francisco Bay offering is Oil & Acrylic Painting. In this fifteen-session class, art lovers of all skill levels will master various oil and acrylic painting techniques. You will learn how to represent texture as well as express character and emotions in your work.

Plein Air Oil Painting is put on at the Art School of San Francisco Bay and will teach you techniques and tricks to help you create successful landscape paintings in the field over the course of four sessions. This class is perfect for those trying oil paints for the first time or an experienced painter that wants to improve their craft.

Omi Callings: Painting the Orishas happens at Richmond Art Center in nearby Richmond, CA. This four sessions class is a creative process in which students spend time with the messages and wisdoms pouring forth from three orishas of the Yoruba spiritual tradition. You are welcomed to explore the Yoruba cosmology system and strengthen your personal relationship with art. Another Richmond Art Center offering is Japanese Brush Painting and Calligraphy. This unique course takes place over six sessions and offers increased creativity and peace of mind through learning Japanese ink brush painting and calligraphy, which are deeply related to Zen.

Virtual Painting Classes

When you decide to take an online painting class, you might be intimidated at first, but it is good to remember that they have their pros and cons just like in-person painting classes. Something good about taking a virtual painting class is that you can attend the class from anywhere. Feel free to work on your painting project at home, in your backyard, or even in a public space like a park. You also do not have to commute to a classroom when you take an online painting class, which saves you both money and time. The biggest con about taking an online painting class is that you generally have to supply your own materials and equipment.

If you are interested in online painting classes, CourseHorse has options that will work for you. For example, Beginner’s Intro to Watercolor Painting: Single Session is a class that explores the colorful world of watercolor painting. You will experience learning and fun in this relaxed group atmosphere while you discover your unique form of self-expression. Beginner Watercolor Online is a six-session course focused on botanicals, and you will learn to paint with luminous, sparkling watercolors. Enjoy acquiring new techniques and learning through fun activities that transition into studies and landscapes. Online Painting With Acrylics 301 is a virtual class for all levels in which you will learn the techniques of 20th-century painting masters. These include mixing colors and preparing your canvas for your work.

Private Group Painting Classes in San Francisco

If you live or work in San Francisco, you might be interested in booking a private group painting class for your friends or colleagues. Luckily, CourseHorse offers painting classes for private groups in San Francisco that they can deliver to you. Virtual Watercolor Workshop (Materials Included) takes up to 225 participants at a time, and all materials are provided for the class. You and your coworkers will have fun learning new techniques to create an abstract painting in a relaxing and creative atmosphere. Virtual Acrylic Painting (Materials Included) will take up to 500 participants per course and all materials are included. This class will teach those in your group how to create a painting together on canvas. While you will all be working on the same painting, the end products will be unique to each artist. Virtual Watercolor Georgia O’Keeffe (Materials Included) is another workshop that takes up to 225 people and includes all the materials you need to learn. This unique class will teach your group about legendary watercolor artist Georgia O’Keeffe, and in the process of painting, you will learn her techniques.

If you do not see a group class that interests you listed publicly on their website, CourseHorse can provide a different class for your group. Reach out through the contact form on their website to learn about all available options. And remember that when you book with CourseHorse, you get a multitude of benefits, including the ability to change your group size after booking if necessary. You will also receive a confirmation within 24 hours of your booking, and there are no extra booking fees. Finally, CourseHorse private group classes are supported on multiple platforms, so everyone can join in on the fun no matter where they are.

CourseHorse Gift Cards

  • Creative & unique gift for any occasion
  • Thousands of classes & experiences
  • No expiration date
  • Instant e-delivery (or choose a date)
  • Add a personalized message
  • Lock in a price with the Inflation Buster Gift Card Price Adjuster™
Buy a Gift Card
gift card with the CourseHorse logo gift card with the CourseHorse logo
Loading...